CLEVERNESS
Faktura Design, known for its skinny metal furniture, has two fun tables paying homage to two great US cities: NY and LA.
TRAINSHOPPING
South Korean grocery chain Tesco connects with busy people through an innovative new concept, Home Plus. They created billboards the subway stations that feature a range of products that customers can then select and scan using QR codes with their cell phones, only to have the selected groceries delivered later to their doorstep. The displays are set up just like aisles in any grocery store, so while you’re waiting for the train, you can get that pesky chore out of the way. I would love to see this expanded to other markets.
2011 WORLD PRIDE PARADES
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Click to Enlarge |
Around the world, the LGBT community celebrates in environments ranging from welcoming to tolerant to violently hostile. Many cities stage gay pride parades on or around June 28, the anniversary of New York's Stonewall Inn uprising in 1969 -- what many consider the beginning of the gay rights movement. New York enjoyed its parade this year on June 26, a celebration given added spirit with the legalization of gay marriage in New York state two days earlier. Some communities in the world still meet with resistance, with activists assaulted and arrested in Russian cities, and an Indian health minister describing homosexuality as a "disease" three days after the New Delhi pride parade on July 2. Collected here are photographs of people celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered pride around the world.
The Big Picture offers special thanks to Charles Meacham for making his photographs available. -- Lane Turner (43 photos total)
THE END OF AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM?
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PARTIAL JUSTICE ONLY TOOK 46 YEARS
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First Gay Rights Protest at the Pentagon: 1965. That year marked several important milestones in the history of organized gay protest. In April, gay rights advocates held the first ever pickets in front of the White House demanding equal treatment in federal employment and other areas of discrimination. During the year, those pickets would expand to the U.S. Civil Service Commission, Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, and, on this date in history, the Pentagon. Participants in that picket line included gay rights pioneers Frank Kameny, Barbara Gittings (whose birthday is also today; see below), Jack Nichols and eight others. Another 46 years would pass before the military ban on gays serving openly would finally be out the door. The ban officially ends this year on September 20. The New York Public Library has a small online digital gallery of that first Pentagon protest.
MARCH OF THE PENGUINS
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A child grins as five magellanic penguin chicks race around the penguin enclosure through a crowd of other excited children and their families at the San Francisco Zoo on Saturday.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/category/watch-listen/video-on-demand/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6103568
Watch the march beginning at 4:28 led by Anthony Brown after he explains it all!
FRED ASTAIRE WOULD LOVE IT!
Art Deco Chair Fit for a King
USA1930's
This is a custom made chair taken from an original set we once had. It is truly fit for a king. Very comfortable and slightly over-sized. Beautiful mohair seating in both rich burgundy and creamy yellow.
Great American movie theater kind of chair. Just sit back, relax and begin the evening in this lush soft, cozy chair.
Martini's anyone?
Measurements:
43" W x 36" D x35" T (cushion 22" t)
Price
$2,000
$2,000
Condition*
excellent
excellent
Measurements
height: 35 in.
depth: 36 in.
width/length: 43 in.
height: 35 in.
depth: 36 in.
width/length: 43 in.
Specifications
Number of items: 1
Materials/Techniques: mohair/wood
Creator: unknown
Number of items: 1
Materials/Techniques: mohair/wood
Creator: unknown
Photography
provided by Art Deco Collection
provided by Art Deco Collection
Location
Art Deco Collection
1632 Market Street Suite A
San Francisco, CA, 94102
Phone: 415 255 1902
E-Mail: info@artdecocollection.com
Dealer Ref. : 1531
Ref. : U1107148714339
Art Deco Collection
1632 Market Street Suite A
San Francisco, CA, 94102
Phone: 415 255 1902
E-Mail: info@artdecocollection.com
Dealer Ref. : 1531
Ref. : U1107148714339
VISIONARY FRENCHMAN
Click to Enlarge Eventually industry will no longer find in Europe the resources to satisfy its prodigious expansion. Coal will undoubtedly be used up. What will industry do then? |
— Augustin Bernard Mouchot, French inventor of the earliest solar-powered engine, converting solar energy into mechanical steam power
HE LOVES THIS THEATER
Click all images to EnlargeKirk Douglas hoists his Freedom of Expression Award |
Kirk speaks after receiving this year's Jewish Film Festival's Freedom of Expression Award |
Ann Sothern and Kirk in "A Letter to Three Wives" (Joseph L. Mankiewicz, dir., 1949) |
Kirk starred in "Spartacus" (Stanley Kubrick, dir., 1960). The movie was screened after the SFJFF honored Douglas. |
The actor is an impressive 94, with sufficient amount of white hair to remind you of one of his dominant physical features in his prime years. He wore an ivory silk jacket, dark open-necked shirt and sneakers.
During his honor in the theater, he never lost sight of his audience. Walking up a short flight of stairs to the stage, unassisted, he turned around to face them. Exiting by a side door, he put both hands to his mouth and offered a kiss to the audience in the midst of a standing ovation.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/07/25/DDVL1KENLS.DTL#ixzz1TKnPfdCu
MUSEUM SUBAQUATICO DE ARTE
Click all images to enlarge |
Cancún's new sculpture museum is visible only to snorkelers and divers. Standing on the bottom of the ocean between Punta Cancún, Isla Mujeres and Punta Nizuc, it opened in November 2009 with three life-size sculptures. By its grand opening in November, it had grown to more than 400, making it the world's largest underwater museum. The figures, created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor from casts of local people, are specially formulated concrete that encourages growth of new coral and other sea life; the idea being to siphon off some of the tourists and give the famous reef a rest to help it recover from the already ample burdens of divers, marine pollution and warming waters.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/07/27/mexico_offbeat_museums.DTL#ixzz1TKA78yDr
SPANISH PARASOL
Click all images to Enlarge |
Sunny Seville, Spain, is now the home of one of the
largest wooden structures in the world. Inspired by
the vaults of the city's cathedral, the Metropol Parasol
not only provides shade, it also houses restaurants,
bars, a museum, a farmer's market, a sky deck, and
an elevated plaza. Completed earlier this year, the
hope is that it will revitalize a part of the ancient city
that was formerly used as a parking lot. Like many
endeavors on this scale (Chicago's Millenium Park
comes to mind), it's caused its share of controversy,
with locals either loving or hating it. To the
nay-sayers, I say that it's already there and it ain't
going away so suck it up, bitches! Remember, in
the 19th century there were plenty in Paris who
thought the Eiffel Tower was a big mistake. And
where are they now? That's right: dead.
More about it here and here. See more by the
architect here.
largest wooden structures in the world. Inspired by
the vaults of the city's cathedral, the Metropol Parasol
not only provides shade, it also houses restaurants,
bars, a museum, a farmer's market, a sky deck, and
an elevated plaza. Completed earlier this year, the
hope is that it will revitalize a part of the ancient city
that was formerly used as a parking lot. Like many
endeavors on this scale (Chicago's Millenium Park
comes to mind), it's caused its share of controversy,
with locals either loving or hating it. To the
nay-sayers, I say that it's already there and it ain't
going away so suck it up, bitches! Remember, in
the 19th century there were plenty in Paris who
thought the Eiffel Tower was a big mistake. And
where are they now? That's right: dead.
More about it here and here. See more by the
architect here.
THE LONG AND WINDING WALK DOWN THE AISLE
Niagara Falls went all rainbow today when couples began marrying at the legendary honeymoon spot.
Marriage Equality became legal in the Empire State of New York at exactly midnight eastern standard time on Sunday, July 22, 2011. Here's a celebratory toast from the left coast, and may all married couples in New York find many hears of health and happiness.
Video: Sean Chapin
Phyllis Siegel, 76, arms raised, and Connie Kopelov, 84, in wheelchair, both of New York, celebrate after becoming the first same-sex couple to get married at the Manhattan City Clerk's office,
From left, couples Nevin Cohen and Daniel Hernandez, Carol Anastasio and Miriam Brown, all of New York, and Marcos Chaljub and Freddy Zambrano, of Astoria, in the Queens borough of New York, celebrate after getting married at the Manhattan City Clerk's office, Sunday, July 24, 2011 in New York.
Michael Johnson, 55, left, and Michael Roberts, 81, of New York, kiss after getting married at the City Clerk's office in New York, Sunday, July 24, 2011. Hundreds of gay couples were expected to marry in New York and across the Empire State on the first day of same-sex marriage ceremonies.
This Village Voice photo by Steven Thrasher made my grinchy heart grow two sizes: "That's Steve Landis and Julie Irwin, who brought their 4-year-old twins Emily and Sophie to Brooklyn Borough Hall this morning to be flower girls for whoever might need them. They don't even know anyone getting married today! Aw."
AN EXQUISITE EXAMPLE OF WOODWORKING
A Swedish Grace Period Zebra Wood, Macassar and Rosewood Desk
SwedenEarly 20th Century
The rectangular banded top with an ebonized molded edge and centered by a parquetry reserve, above a center drawer flanked by 2 doors, one opening to 3 shelves, the other opening to 4 drawers, on square banded legs with conforming feet.
Marked: FM Linköping - Förenade Möbelfabrikerna FM Linköping (United Furniture Factories, Linköping)
This is one of the most beautiful pieces of furniture I've seen!
Price
contact dealer
contact dealer
Condition*
Excellent Condition
Excellent Condition
Measurements
height: 29.75 in.
depth: 30.5 in.
width/length: 4 ft. 9 in.
height: 29.75 in.
depth: 30.5 in.
width/length: 4 ft. 9 in.
Specifications
Number of items: 1
Materials/Techniques: Rosewood, Zebra Wood, Macassar Ebony
Creator: Förenade Möbelfabrikerna FM Linköping
Number of items: 1
Materials/Techniques: Rosewood, Zebra Wood, Macassar Ebony
Creator: Förenade Möbelfabrikerna FM Linköping
Photography
provided by H.M. Luther, Inc.
provided by H.M. Luther, Inc.
Affiliation
The Art and Antique Dealers League of America
Location
H.M. Luther, Inc.
35 East 76th Street
New York, NY , 10021
Phone: 212-505-1485
E-Mail: info@hmluther.com
Dealer Ref. : 8677
Ref. : U1107158556303
The Art and Antique Dealers League of America
Location
H.M. Luther, Inc.
35 East 76th Street
New York, NY , 10021
Phone: 212-505-1485
E-Mail: info@hmluther.com
Dealer Ref. : 8677
Ref. : U1107158556303
ATLANTIS ON IT'S FINAL DESCENT
Station Crew Views Shuttle Landing
This unprecedented view of the space shuttle Atlantis,
appearing like a bean sprout against clouds and city
lights, on its way home, was photographed by the
Expedition 28 crew of the International Space Station.
Airglow over Earth can be seen in the background.
Image Credit: NASA
appearing like a bean sprout against clouds and city
lights, on its way home, was photographed by the
Expedition 28 crew of the International Space Station.
Airglow over Earth can be seen in the background.
Image Credit: NASA
CLOUDS 101
Click to Enlarge |
Clouds are classified into twelve types. The names used for the clouds are based on three factors: the altitude at which the cloud occurs, the shape of the cloud, and whether the cloud is producing precipitation.
There are three altitude ranges, or cloud levels. The height of the cloud base determines a cloud’s level. Clouds with a base below 2,000 meters are considered low-level clouds. Clouds with a base between 2,000 and 6,000 meters are mid-level clouds. Those with a base above 6,000 meters are considered high-level clouds.
In 1803, Luke Howard classified four main cloud types with Latin terms. Cumulus means “pile” and describes heaped, lumpy clouds. Cirrus means “curl of hair” and is used to name clouds that look like wispy locks of hair. Featureless clouds that form sheets are named stratus, meaning “layer.” Howard used the term nimbus, which means “cloud,” to name low, gray rain clouds.
A good way to determine the level of cumulus clouds is to assess the size of the individual cloud elements. Low-level cumulus clouds are about the same size, or larger than, your fist held at arms’ length. One exception to this rule is when a small cumulus cloud is developing or evaporating. In that case, its direction or speed of motion may indicate that it is in the same layer as nearby larger cumulus clouds. Mid-level cumulus clouds are farther away and the individual cloud pieces appear substantially smaller, about the size of your thumb at arms’ length. High-level cumulus clouds are smaller still, with individual cloud pieces about the size of the nail on your little finger at arms’ length.
Stratus clouds have no distinct cloud pieces to measure. For these clouds, a general rule is that cloud opacity tends to decrease with height. Thus, low-level clouds are generally thicker than mid-level clouds, and a high-level cirrostratus is very thin. Thus, by observing how much the cloud obscures the Sun, you can estimate the level of a stratus cloud.
If there is precipitation, the chances are very good that you are dealing with a low-level cloud. Mid-level clouds occasionally precipitate, but this is a rare occurrence.Clouds are classified into twelve types. The names used for the clouds are based on three factors: the altitude at which the cloud occurs, the shape of the cloud, and whether the cloud is producing precipitation.
There are three altitude ranges, or cloud levels. The height of the cloud base determines a cloud’s level. Clouds with a base below 2,000 meters are considered low-level clouds. Clouds with a base between 2,000 and 6,000 meters are mid-level clouds. Those with a base above 6,000 meters are considered high-level clouds.
In 1803, Luke Howard classified four main cloud types with Latin terms. Cumulus means “pile” and describes heaped, lumpy clouds. Cirrus means “curl of hair” and is used to name clouds that look like wispy locks of hair. Featureless clouds that form sheets are named stratus, meaning “layer.” Howard used the term nimbus, which means “cloud,” to name low, gray rain clouds.
A good way to determine the level of cumulus clouds is to assess the size of the individual cloud elements. Low-level cumulus clouds are about the same size, or larger than, your fist held at arms’ length. One exception to this rule is when a small cumulus cloud is developing or evaporating. In that case, its direction or speed of motion may indicate that it is in the same layer as nearby larger cumulus clouds. Mid-level cumulus clouds are farther away and the individual cloud pieces appear substantially smaller, about the size of your thumb at arms’ length. High-level cumulus clouds are smaller still, with individual cloud pieces about the size of the nail on your little finger at arms’ length.
Stratus clouds have no distinct cloud pieces to measure. For these clouds, a general rule is that cloud opacity tends to decrease with height. Thus, low-level clouds are generally thicker than mid-level clouds, and a high-level cirrostratus is very thin. Thus, by observing how much the cloud obscures the Sun, you can estimate the level of a stratus cloud.
If there is precipitation, the chances are very good that you are dealing with a low-level cloud. Mid-level clouds occasionally precipitate, but this is a rare occurrence.Clouds are classified into twelve types. The names used for the clouds are based on three factors: the altitude at which the cloud occurs, the shape of the cloud, and whether the cloud is producing precipitation.
There are three altitude ranges, or cloud levels. The height of the cloud base determines a cloud’s level. Clouds with a base below 2,000 meters are considered low-level clouds. Clouds with a base between 2,000 and 6,000 meters are mid-level clouds. Those with a base above 6,000 meters are considered high-level clouds.
In 1803, Luke Howard classified four main cloud types with Latin terms. Cumulus means “pile” and describes heaped, lumpy clouds. Cirrus means “curl of hair” and is used to name clouds that look like wispy locks of hair. Featureless clouds that form sheets are named stratus, meaning “layer.” Howard used the term nimbus, which means “cloud,” to name low, gray rain clouds.
A good way to determine the level of cumulus clouds is to assess the size of the individual cloud elements. Low-level cumulus clouds are about the same size, or larger than, your fist held at arms’ length. One exception to this rule is when a small cumulus cloud is developing or evaporating. In that case, its direction or speed of motion may indicate that it is in the same layer as nearby larger cumulus clouds. Mid-level cumulus clouds are farther away and the individual cloud pieces appear substantially smaller, about the size of your thumb at arms’ length. High-level cumulus clouds are smaller still, with individual cloud pieces about the size of the nail on your little finger at arms’ length.
Stratus clouds have no distinct cloud pieces to measure. For these clouds, a general rule is that cloud opacity tends to decrease with height. Thus, low-level clouds are generally thicker than mid-level clouds, and a high-level cirrostratus is very thin. Thus, by observing how much the cloud obscures the Sun, you can estimate the level of a stratus cloud.
If there is precipitation, the chances are very good that you are dealing with a low-level cloud. Mid-level clouds occasionally precipitate, but this is a rare occurrence.
THE SPIRIT OF '76
Click to Enlarge |
His most famous painting was originally painted as a 8 x 10 mural and he named it "Yankee Doodle." It was painted for the first Centennial Exposition held in Philadelphia. His mural was started in 1875 in an upstairs bedroom in his home. It was soon decided that a move to a professional studio would be appropriate and he moved to Cleveland and took up residence in the studio of Willis Adams. As a result of the move, Willard's father Samuel, became the model for the old drummer.
After the mural was shown several times, it was suggested that he change the name from "Yankee Doodle" to avoid the association with its origins as a British song used to poke fun at the Americans. The suggestion was "The Spirit of '76" and Willard reluctantly agreed. Historically, the Yankee Doodle tune was created by the British but it was quickly adopted by the Americans as theirs and it quickly became an expression of American patriotism. Willard painted several smaller versions of what had became known as "The Spirit of '76."
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